commuting quickStart

This is a commuting-by-bike quick reference: a basic outline of what you need to consider about commuting by bike. Additional information is available by clicking the link at the end of each section or the menus to the left.

selecting a bike

Own a bike? It may be all the transportation you need for your commute to work. First, make sure your bike is in good working order and get it tuned up if necessary. Then determine if there are any items you need to make your bike more comfortable and safer for the ride to work.

Thinking of purchasing a bike? I recommend buying a name-brand bike from a reputable bike shop that will fit the bike to you, and will be able to service the bike. I wouldn’t suggest visiting department or toy stores to pick out a new bike—they can’t help you pick out the perfect bike for you, and their “bargain” no-name brands are never a bargain.

There are several different bike styles to choose from. The most common being:

• Cruisers. Cool looking, but heavy and difficult on the hills.
• Hybrid or comfort bikes. Lightweight, good gear ratio, comfortable.
• Mountain bikes. Rugged, good gear ratio. Heavy and knobby tires add rolling resistance.
• Road bikes. Ultra lightweight, fast. However these bikes can be expensive and the riding position can be uncomfortable at first.
• Touring bikes. Similar to a road bike, but with a longer wheelbase for more stability to carry cargo and threaded eyelets for installing racks. Touring bikes are light, fast, and make good commuter bikes if you have a longer commute and like the low riding position.
• Commuter bikes. Basically, a hybrid bike tricked out with all the necessary extras (racks, lights, fenders, etc.).

If you will be using your bike mainly for commuting, a hybrid, touring, or commuter bike may be the best bet. I would avoid a mountain bike unless you ride off-road or trails recreationally, or your commute is over rough roads or trails. If you are into road cycling, will be carrying a light load, or have a long commute, consider a road bike.

Tip: If you bike for recreation, the type of recreation you do may help determine the kind of bike you should buy. Two reasons for this are: 1. Most people don't need a bike for recreation and a bike for commuting, and 2. If you enjoy riding a bike for recreation, you'll probably enjoy using it for commuting. Do you like mountain biking? Get a mountain bike. Do you like road cycling? Get a road bike.

For more go to selecting your bike.

outfitting your bike

Just like a car, the bare bones bike needs a few things to be useful, especially for commuting. Here is a quick list of things you are going to need:

• Saddle. Probably not the one that comes with the bike. Get the one that works best for you.
• Lock. A U-lock is a good choice.
• Basic repair kit. Consisting of saddle bag, patch kit, spare tube, tire levers, and compact multi-tool
• Pump. Small pump that attaches to your frame.
• Headlight and taillight. Sooner or later, you are going to need them.
• Backpack, messenger, or rack with panniers (saddle bags).
• Fenders. Especially in areas of frequent rain.
• Water bottle and bottle cage.
• Mirror. Two basic types: handle bar mounted or helmet/eye glass mounted.

For more go to the outfitting your bike page.

outfitting yourself

Numero uno: a helmet. Make sure it fits properly and you wear it properly.

If you are riding in your work clothes, here are a few extras you may need:

• Pant-leg strap. Saves your pants and saves you from losing control when they get caught.
• Lightweight jacket. For those cooler days.
• Rain jacket.
• Cycling gloves. Maybe even thermal gloves or glove-liners for cooler weather.
• Cycling or sport glasses. Protection from debris and wind.

Padded cycling shorts.
Cycling jersey. "Wicking" fabric wicks sweat away from the body and evaporates very quickly.
Cycling socks. Again, cooler, drier.
Cycling shoes. Road, mountain, or comfort styles.

planning your route

The route you drive to work may or may not be the route that you bike to work. Especially if part of it is freeway driving. Start with a little research.

A map. A bike route map showing bike routes and paths may be available for your area. Check with your city's transportation department and any bicycle advocacy groups in your area.

Ask people. Ask co-workers who commute by bike what they would recommend. Check with the local bike shops for suggestions.

Go online. Visit a site like MapQuest.com. Enter your from and to locations and when the directions come up, click "Avoid Highways." This will give you the shortest route to work on surface streets (well, at least, according to MapQuest).

Next, consider the terrain between where you live and work. Are there really hilly areas? Are there routes around those hilly areas? You may be able to get to work faster riding around hills than climbing over them. Plan a couple of routes and have a map with you.

Once you have selected a route, drive that route by car on your way to work. That way you can observe traffic, road conditions, and potential hazards. Then, try riding the route on a weekend as a test run. After that, there is nothing to do but start commuting to work.

For more information go to the planning your route page.

carrying cargo

Unless the only thing you carry to and from work is your wallet, you are going to have to consider the best way for you to take stuff back and forth. If you have a few files and papers, and maybe a lightweight laptop, a backpack may work. I use a laptop backpack with a padded compartment for my laptop and a large main compartment for other stuff.

If you need to carry more than that or the weight of the pack strains your back and shoulders, consider a bike rack with panniers. This gets the weight off your back and lowers your center of gravity, giving your greater control when riding.

For more information go to the carrying cargo page.

when you get to work

On a flat, five-mile commute, you can arrive to work without working up a sweat. But even then, a little cool down period while help you feel more comfortable before going to work. Get to work a few minutes early, lock your bike, and take a leisurely walk for a couple of minutes.

If you work up a bit of a sweat on your way to work, do the above and then use a wash cloth to clean up in the restroom and reapply deodorant.

If you have shower facilities available, consider showering after getting to work. Pack a small toiletries kit with the necessities and a small towel and leave it at work.

For more information go to the when you get to work page.

parking & securing

You want to make sure that when you leave work, your bike is where you left it. So, where you park it and how you secure it are important. Here are some parking options:

• Inside the building. Check to see if there is a closet or other place where you can store your bike. I stored mine in my office for a while.
• Bike locker. Some employers install bike lockers.
• Heavy duty bike rack. See if there are bike racks at work. Better yet, if they are in well traveled areas or in view of those who work there.
• Heavy stationary street pole. Make sure that the pole can't be easily removed.

If not inside or in a locked bike locker, secure your bike with a heavy-duty lock. Or combinations of locks, like a U-lock to the frame and a cable lock running through the frame and wheels.

For more information go to the parking & securing page.